Even a healthy pregnancy can be a difficult and confusing
time. Your body goes through so many changes, some of which can catch you off
guard! Friends and family, thankfully, have lots of advice. However, some questions
can be a bit embarrassing and, when you’re at the OBGYN, you may be too
overwhelmed to remember every question. Don’t worry! We have answers to your
women’s health questions.
How do I tell if I’m
pregnant?
Early signs of pregnancy include:
1.
Fatigue
2.
Nausea
3.
Frequent urination
4.
Change in appetite
5.
Morning sickness
6.
Breast swelling
7.
Missed period
How are due dates
calculated?
The average pregnancy is 266 days
from your last ovulation cycle. That is about 40 weeks. If you aren’t sure
about your due date, ask your OBGYN! They will be able to tell you.
Can I have sex while
pregnant?
Unless your OBGYN has specifically told you not to have sex
during your pregnancy, it is absolutely safe to do so. Your baby is protected
by an amniotic sac, uterus, and mucus plug in the cervix.
Do I have to take
prenatal vitamins?
Yes! Pregnancy is rough on your body. You will need
additional vitamins and minerals to protect your body and support your baby.
It’s important that you talk to your OBGYN about what vitamins are best for
you. There are many options so take some time to find what’s right for you.
Is this heartburn
normal?
The combination of increased progesterone and a growing
uterus can cause heartburn. There are some ways to try to prevent this however.
1.
Smaller, frequent meals
2.
Walk after meals
3.
Elevate your head and chest while sleeping
4.
Wear loose clothes
5.
Drink ginger root tea
6.
Take antacids
How do I prevent
stretch marks?
Stretch marks are incredibly common in pregnancy. Around 90
percent of pregnant women develop them! If you want to avoid being part of that
majority, then make sure to drink lots of water, eat a diet high in
skin-supporting vitamins, and massage your stomach daily with a moisturizer.
Can I exercise while
pregnant?
Unless your obstetrician specifically tells you not to, you
can remain active during your pregnancy. Low impact exercises are fine. This
includes things like aqua aerobics, walking, tai chi, and yoga. Exercises that
involve jumping and contact sports, however, should be avoided.
What is gestational
diabetes?
Gestational diabetes is a temporary type of diabetes which
develops in some pregnant women. It is caused by the placental hormones. In
most cases, a pregnant mother’s pancreas produces around three times as much
insulin as normal. This is necessary because the pregnancy hormones impact
blood sugar levels. If the pancreas can’t keep up, gestational diabetes can
develop.
Anyone pregnant can get gestational diabetes. However, there
are some risk factors that increase your odds of developing it. These risks
include:
1.
Age
·
Over 25 years old
2.
Race
·
African American
·
Native American
·
Hispanic
·
Pacific Islander
3.
Family history
·
Relative with diabetes
4.
Weight
·
Overweight
·
BMI over 30
5.
Past medical history
·
Had gestational diabetes before
·
Had a precious big baby (macrosomia)
·
Has polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Why can’t I control
my bladder anymore?
Urinary incontinence is very common during pregnancy. Your
baby takes up a lot of space in your torso and can put a lot of pressure on
your bladder. This pressure can cause an overwhelming urge to go to the
bathroom. Additionally, as the muscles around your uterus stretch out, you can
lose some control. Weakened pelvic muscles can cause minor leaks for a few
months after giving birth as well.
What is the
difference between a gynecologist, obstetrician, and an OBGYN?
Gynecologists
deal with a wide range of women’s health concerns. These range from pap smears
to STD screenings to breast exams. Obstetricians deal specifically with
pregnancy. They will care for you from your first prenatal testing to follow-up
after delivery care.